How much does 'how long' matter?

[Hanguk]

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Hey guys,

I plan to apply to med schools this summer but I just got a research and volunteer position (both are linked) and plan to start this month. But I'm just curious as to what adcoms will think about a relatively recent experience? How much does it matter that I'm getting hospital/clinical research exposure 6-7 months before applications? As opposed to people who have it for ~1-2 years?

Or is it fine as long as I get exposure? I'm really excited to start and plan to really give as much time as I can.

Thanks!

 

[NickNaylor]

A few months isn't going to be the same as a few years. That said, some is better than none.

 

[nisarg2010]

Few months wont really give you the same experience or look as good as someone with a few years of experience. It might also bring up the question of whether you are really dedicated to a career in medicine (unlikely, but might happen). With the same logic, some will always be better then none. Try to get as much meaningful experience as you can.

 

[dartmed]

Hey guys,

I plan to apply to med schools this summer but I just got a research and volunteer position (both are linked) and plan to start this month. But I'm just curious as to what adcoms will think about a relatively recent experience? How much does it matter that I'm getting hospital/clinical research exposure 6-7 months before applications? As opposed to people who have it for ~1-2 years?

Or is it fine as long as I get exposure? I'm really excited to start and plan to really give as much time as I can.

Thanks!

The length does matter. You also have to use it right though. It's a mix of how long your activities are and how well you portray them

And yes, this does sound a little dirty.
😎

 

[percy]

How much does it matter that I'm getting hospital/clinical research exposure 6-7 months before applications? As opposed to people who have it for ~1-2 years?

Don't underestimate the impact of a recent experience. I've been asked about a similarly recent experience on most of my interviews (and wrote about it in secondaries, for that matter), with positive results. Also, even more relevant since you have the added benefit of contemporaneity (i.e. "I'm working on this right now," rather than "Two years ago, I did this thing for 7 months").

 

[johnisles2011]

I don't think it matters that much. Honestly, sometimes I feel like they just fill out a check box for whether or not you did a shadow or research or something. When they look in depth, I'm sure they separate the really deeply involved experiences from the smaller ones, but that's okay. Obviously this isn't a central part of your app. It's still a good experience you had though.
Besides, a lot will depend on how you write about it. Make it seem big and important. Was it?

 

[IlDestriero]

I think girth is more important.

 

[JCTWP46]

I'm in the same boat as you OP. I'm looking to do the same this semester as well. If I don't get in this coming cycle, I am prepared to apply again next year. And by that time my EC's will have much more longevity. I am only considering applying to 2-3 schools (state school's) this go around, though. Good luck to you!👍

 

[music2doc]

I'm in the same boat as you OP. I'm looking to do the same this semester as well. If I don't get in this coming cycle, I am prepared to apply again next year. And by that time my EC's will have much more longevity. I am only considering applying to 2-3 schools (state school's) this go around, though. Good luck to you!👍

If only applying to 2-3 schools, just wait a year. You don't want to be a "reapplicant" if you can avoid it.

 

[RookTookIt]

Do these commitments make up a full time schedule? I had a much shorter clinical experience than most applicants but it was a 50 hour per week job. In one week I probably had as much interaction with patients as some undergrads would get in one month.

 

[btown8908]

OP-depends. A lot of my really shining EC activities didn't come until about a year before I applied. Take advantage of the opportunities when they arise and don't worry about the timing. Some people on SDN and other applicants don't necessarily realize that they want to be an MD in high school or freshman year of college. Therefore, it takes time to become a well balanced individual and so some of things that will look good on a CV or help you with your professional career won't come after you've grown up a bit, i.e. later on perhaps during soph/jr year. I can't speak for everyone but if you're passionate about something then you better follow through with it and do it to the best of your ability. Good luck!

 

[Total180]

As long as you have other experiences, having one that is recent isn't really going to hurt you. It is just another thing you are doing, and it will give you something recent to talk about in an interview. However, if you have no other clinical/research experience, starting right before you apply is going to look really bad. If the latter is the case, I would suggest waiting a year until you have some more meaningful experiences.

 

[Law2Doc]

I'm in the same boat as you OP...:

it's not the size of the boat, it's the motion of the ocean... Sorry couldn't resist.

 

[JCTWP46]

If only applying to 2-3 schools, just wait a year. You don't want to be a "reapplicant" if you can avoid it.

Would it look that bad?

 

[music2doc]

How much does 'how long' matter?

That is a very personal question and the answer will vary depending upon who you talk to. My suggestion would be check some of the resources here: How much does 'how long' matter?

(You might also want to talk to some of the special people in your own life....)

 

[Camy99]

That's what she said.

bazinga!

 

[IRASNA]

it's not the size of the boat, it's the motion of the ocean... Sorry couldn't resist.

Long way to England in a row boat...

 

[tantacles]

Long way to England in a row boat...

Notably, a motorboat is the same size and would make the journey much easier (assuming one had enough fuel to last for the entire trip, which seems unlikely.)